Para dressage
British Dressage has one of the most developed pathways for equestrian disability sport in the world, offering endless competition opportunities from grassroots to Olympic level.
Para dressage classes mirror the able bodied structure and are split into three sections – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Earn points from affiliated para classes all year round to qualify for numerous championships!
Getting started
Para Intro shows are the perfect starting point to have a taste of BD competitions, you can compete at one of these as an Club Member. By taking part in Para Intro shows you can also earn points towards qualification for the Bronze Championships at the Equissage Pulse Summer Festival of Para Dressage.
Para dressage competition pathway
Take a look below at the para competition pathway, sponsored by Niagara Equissage Pulse, for para equestrian riders:
| Championship | Qualification period | Championship date |
| Equissage Pulse Para Winter Championships Bronze, Silver and Gold titles to concluded the BD winter season. |
17 June - 30 December | February |
| Equissage Pulse Para Home International Represent your region in an exciting team event. |
Team selection through Region, find out more from your Regional Para Representative. | May |
| Equissage Pulse Summer Festival of Para Dressage Bronze and Silver titles to conclude the BD summer season. |
1 December - 30 June | End of August |
| BD RDA Intellectual Disability (ID) Championships The grand final following participation in RDA regional qualifiers. |
By invitation following RDA regional qualifiers, visit the RDA website to find out more. | End of August |
| Equissage Pulse Para Gold semi-final and Championships The conclusion of the summer season for Para Gold riders. |
1 December - 15 May | Semi final - June Championship final - September |
2020 season update
The BD Board have agreed proposals from the Para Committee to repurpose this year’s Bronze and Silver Para Championships as a celebration event to welcome back competition for our Para riders at all levels. Solihull will continue to host the event on the original dates, on 29 & 30 August, offering opportunities for Para riders in the Bronze, Silver and Gold Sections, including riders on the World Class programme who have missed out on international competition this year. Full details, including the competition schedule and how to enter, will be released shortly.
Further opportunities
As a para rider you can also apply for dispensation to use your compensating aids in able-bodied dressage, speak to BD Para Officer Natasha Pearce to find out more:
